Sorsogon Gov. Francis Escudero, who is seeking a Senate comeback, on Tuesday urged the government to channel all revenues from taxes on fuel to a more substantial aid package for struggling households, instead of granting them a proposed monthly allowance.
Escudero, in a statement, said Congress should pass a supplemental budget to ensure that revenue from the excise taxes, projected to reach PHP105.9 billion this year, would be used only for assistance to Filipinos most affected by oil price hikes.
“Since the government does not want to suspend the collection of excise taxes on petroleum, then the least it can do is provide financial assistance that will make a difference for poor families. Because PHP200 per month is nothing but a token for officials to be able to say they did something,” he said.
Escudero said aside from the excise tax on fuel under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, the government collects a 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products.
From January-February, revenue from excess VAT was PHP3 billion, and it is projected to reach PHP20 billion this year with the Dubai crude oil prices pegged at USD100/barrel. Crude oil is now USD120/barrel.
The Department of Budget and Management said last week it would initially give a PHP500 monthly allowance to poor families but later reduce the amount to PHP200 monthly. It has also earmarked PHP3 billion for fuel subsidies to transport and agricultural workers but rejected calls for the suspension of excise taxes on fuel.
Source: Philippines News Agency